The Office of Student Services, Division of Special Education and Student Services, Virginia Department of Education, is pleased to announce the student support services conference, Strengthening Connections: Student Services, School Climate, and Positive Academic Outcomes. The conference will be held at the Stonewall Jackson Hotel and Conference Center, Staunton, Virginia, December 5-6, 2011. This conference promotes coordinating student support services and building partnerships among school personnel, parents, and communities. It is appropriate for student services administrators and staff, other school professionals, and community prevention coalition members. Family and student service providers in the community are also welcome to attend.

The full two-day conference, December 5-6, is $40 per person and includes training materials and selected meals. School divisions are responsible for all travel costs, including, but not limited to, mileage, lodging, and meals not included as part of the conference package. A room block has been established at the Stonewall Jackson Hotel under the name “Strengthening Connections” and will be available until November 2, 2011.

A sample of the sessions to be offered during the two-day conference includes:

The Connection Between School Climate and Academics

The Impact of Stressors on Physical and Mental Health

Supports for Success for At-Risk Students

Mini “institutes” will be held in the afternoon to explore these topics more in-depth

Targeted technical assistance workshops will be provided on Tuesday, December 6th, for homeless liaisons, Homebound Instructional Program supervisors, Family Life Education coordinators, drop-out and re-enrollment specialists, school nurses, and personnel responsible for billing Medicaid for approved school services. There is no fee if you are only attending the technical assistance workshops; however, it is necessary for participants to register using the online portal listed below.

Programmatic questions may be directed to Dr. Vivian Stith-Williams, student services specialist, at (804)225-4543 or Vivian.Stith-Williams@doe.virginia.gov. Registration questions may be directed to Sandy Geringer, Project
HOPE-VA, at (757)221-4002 or skgeri@wm.edu.